Hey all, I am a complete noob on decent quality flashlights and rechargeable batteries. I've bought many cheap cheap cheap flashlights throughout the years and finally got what I would call a quality flashlight...the Nitecore SRT3. I love the option to switch between AA and CR123 sized batteries and the light dimming ring. Anyways...the AA alkaline work fine, but I want it brighter like blinding if possible. Looks like only rechargeable batteries can produce it. I was going to get a Nitecore branded 14500 battery and D2 charger and call it a day, but according to some members here they don't work properly in the SRT3. Are AW protected 14500 still the go to for recommendations these days? As a noob and someone on a budget, I was looking for something cheaper, but I guess quality is more important than saving a few bucks and have a fire start in my pocket? If there are other quality, more affordable options, I am all ears.
For the charger, I was just going to get a Nitecore I2 or more likely a Nitecore D2 so I won't have to get a multi-meter. Would either of these be fine for someone who is new to recharging and on a budget. I am willing to save up and spend on higher quality only if they are worth it.
Also, I had some CR123 laying around and tried them. The cheap brand "Great Power" kept flickering non stop, is that because the battery is low or maybe not making proper contact in my SRT3? I then tried an older Surefire 3v CR123 and honestly, it wasn't that much brighter than a cheap AA I had in there before. Is that expected or was the SF one lower in power? I am hoping the 14500 will produce the max output at 550 lumens according to the Nitecore paperwork. As someone who has never seen a light over 200 lumens, will 550 be a night and day difference compared to whatever my SF CR123 and AA alkaline produced? I also read that using higher powered batteries will shorten the life of the flashlight...if I switched over to 14500, how much would it shave off? Like years? Sorry for the long read. I tried reading up prior, but was not sure so I decided to post. I appreciate any help or info on the subject.
For the charger, I was just going to get a Nitecore I2 or more likely a Nitecore D2 so I won't have to get a multi-meter. Would either of these be fine for someone who is new to recharging and on a budget. I am willing to save up and spend on higher quality only if they are worth it.
Also, I had some CR123 laying around and tried them. The cheap brand "Great Power" kept flickering non stop, is that because the battery is low or maybe not making proper contact in my SRT3? I then tried an older Surefire 3v CR123 and honestly, it wasn't that much brighter than a cheap AA I had in there before. Is that expected or was the SF one lower in power? I am hoping the 14500 will produce the max output at 550 lumens according to the Nitecore paperwork. As someone who has never seen a light over 200 lumens, will 550 be a night and day difference compared to whatever my SF CR123 and AA alkaline produced? I also read that using higher powered batteries will shorten the life of the flashlight...if I switched over to 14500, how much would it shave off? Like years? Sorry for the long read. I tried reading up prior, but was not sure so I decided to post. I appreciate any help or info on the subject.